Brosy Family Dentistry
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The Electric Toothbrush: Worth all the buzz?

When it comes to toothbrush options, there is definitely a wide variety! Choices range from your basic, good ol' manual $2 brush to the fanciest electric brush that you have to sell the family dog to pay for! What's hot, what's not, and what is worth selling Spike for...

Toothbrushes: The Basics

Manual Brush:

This is what comes to mind for most people when they think of a toothbrush. These typically have plastic handles with synthetic fiber bristles that come in varying levels of firmness. Many new ecofriendly options made of wood or bamboo are becoming more popular if you are looking for a brush that doesn't contain plastic. Most manual brushes range from $1-$8 and can be found just about anywhere. These will get the job done if you are very diligent, but you really need to be mindful about brushing for a full two minutes and not going overboard with the elbow grease which can cause damage to gums and teeth. We never recommend using anything other than a soft bristle brush. Medium or firm bristles will cause damage to gums and teeth.

Pros: inexpensive, easily accessible, several sizes and shapes to fit your personal preferences, many design and color options

Cons: no timer to keep you on task, increased risk for damage caused by brushing too hard, only able to clean where the bristles can reach

Electric Brush:

Electric brushes come in all shapes and sizes. This is one area where we feel like you often get what you pay for. That being said, don't sell Spike just yet! Not everyone needs the fanciest options with all of the bells and whistles. You can usually find great brushes at reasonable prices. Electric brushes can be split into battery operated and rechargeable/electric options.

Battery operated brushes are typically found right along side the manual toothbrushes at the store. The Crest Spinbrush and Oral B Gum Care Brush are two popular options. These brushes use AA or AAA battery power to vibrate the brush and give a little extra ump to your brushing power.
Most battery operated options cost between $5-$25 and most allow for battery replacement as needed. The vibration can help remove plaque in hard to reach places, which makes this a step up from a traditional manual brush. unfortunately, they don't quite provide the same level of clean that a rechargeable brush can.

Rechargeable brushes are considered the Cadillac of toothbrush-land. Many new options come and go on the market, but Oral B and Sonicare are mainstays. Both companies make great toothbrushes that plug in to recharge but there are a few main differences.

Oral B uses vibration and rotation and has a small round head to reach tight spaces. Sonicare has an oval shaped head and uses soundwave technology to vibrate the toothpaste and saliva between your teeth and into nooks and crannies that can't be reached by the bristles themselves. Both companies offer different models with varying levels of upgraded features (such as UV light sanitizers, tongue cleaners, pressure sensors to prevent you from brushing too hard, smart phone app integration, multiple brush settings to accommodate sensitivity or orthodontic appliances, and extra charging devices). Sonicare and Oral B both plug in to recharge once a week (or so).

Sonicare and Oral B both require replacement brush heads 2-4 times a year. These cost between $8-20 per head depending on what you choose. A basic Sonicare without all of the bells and whistles costs around $50. A basic Oral B brush costs around $30. Both basic models will give you extra cleaning power, the ability to reach spaces that cannot be reached with a manual brush, and a timer to keep you brushing for two minutes. A Sonicare Diamond Clean system that comes with every possible upgraded feature runs between $250-$300. The top of the line Oral B Genius 8000 runs around $150. Both brushes rank similarly in clinical trials when it comes to plaque removal and overall oral health. Our dental hygienists at Brosy Family tend to favor the Sonicare brand as they feel that they see cleaner, healthier smiles in patients who use them. See the links below to learn more about Oral B and Sonicare models.

Pros: lower gum disease and cavity rate, cleaner teeth, less damage to gums, more effective

Cons: higher cost, have to recharge

So what's it worth?

When used correctly, an electric brush will definitely outperform any manual brush and provide you with the safest, healthiest cleaning experience. A battery operated option is great for toddlers or people not wanting to spend a bit more for a higher quality rechargeable brush, but it doesn't come with the cleaning technology that higher end options offer.

A rechargeable brush is the way to go! A cleaner, healthier mouth means an overall healthier body, lower decay rates, healthier gums, and less money out of your pocket in the long run. If you are someone who is motivated by all of the fancy features and they will inspire you to reach triple gold star levels of oral health, then it may be worth the extra dough (sorry Spike!) to go for the top of the line. If you aren't extra motivated by all of the fanciness but still love the healthy, squeeky-clean feel that a rechargeable electric brush provides, a basic $30-50 model will make your dreams come true.

Learn more about electric options here:

https://www.oralb.com

https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/electric-toothbrushes

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A Farewell: On to the next great adventure

February 2019 marked the 30th anniversary for Brosy Family Dentistry and a time to step aside and retire from private practice for me.  Hard to grasp at times the notion of saying good bye and letting go of taking care of all the patients I have seen in those 30 years. I am incredibly blessed and fortunate knowing that you, the patients of Brosy Family Dentistry, will be looked after and well taken care of by my daughter Dr. Erin. In the past five years I have seen her grow and develop into an incredible person and doctor.  Pretty cool stuff watching one of your kids do what you love to do and do it well!  Through the hard times of losing her mother and the good times of raising two daughters of her own, she has strengthened her compassion and resolve to do her very best regardless of the challenge. So I am off on to my next great adventure comfortable in the knowledge that the practice is in good, capable, caring hands.  The most amazing gift I can give to Dr. Erin is the opportunity to continue taking care of the best group of patients on the planet.  Thank you all for being understanding and supportive in this time of change. 

Be good to each other and take care,   

Paul

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10 Quick Facts About Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer 2019

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we shine the light on cancers that invade the lips, mouth, and throat. No one wants to think about oral cancer, but knowledge is power and it just may save you or someone you love. #oralcancerawareness2019 #savealife #themoreyouknow

  1. More than 53,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2019. That number is rising 3% each year. Over half a million cases will be diagnosed worldwide this year.
  2. Most oral cancers have around a 60% five year survival rate, depending on the stage at diagnosis. Nearly 10,000 Americans will lose their battle with oral cancer this year as it kills one person every hour in the United States alone.
  3. Oral cancer is more common in men than women and in people over 40, however, the fastest growing group of new oral cancer diagnoses is made up of healthy, non-smoking people under 45.
  4. Tobacco use (including cigarettes, chew/snuff, and vaping), alcohol use, and a diet low in fruits/vegetables all increase your oral cancer risk.
  5. When you combine tobacco with heavy alcohol use, your risk is significantly increased, as the two work synergistically. Those who use tobacco products and drink have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer compared those who don't.
  6. The Human Papilloma Virus (specifically HPV16) is the most common cause of oral cancer in people under 45. HPV16 is transmitted through bodily fluids and is the same viral strain that is associated with cervical cancer.
  7. Like with most other cancers, oral cancer outcomes are best when it is detected and diagnosed in the earliest stages.
  8. Oral cancer lesions can be painless and seem unnoticeable in early stages. The most common sign/symptom is a red or white patch, sometimes similar to a canker sore, that will not heal.
    Other symptoms include; a painless lump or mass which can be felt inside the mouth or neck, pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing, any wart-like masses, hoarseness which lasts for a long time, or numbness in the oral/facial region.
  9. Treatment options depend on location and stage of the cancer but typically involve a multidisciplinary approach between your general dentist, an oral surgeon, as well as medical doctors. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often needed in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
  10. Information on oral cancer can be scary and overwhelming. The good news is that preforming regular self checks and having routine dental exams at least twice a year greatly increases the chance of finding oral cancer in the earliest stages, which typically leads to the best possible outcome.

For more in depth information on oral cancer, click here:

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Brosy Family Life: Dental Assistants

We are fortunate to have two AMAZING dental assistants in our Brosy family! Chondel and Courtney work hard to ensure that you receive the attention and care that you deserve when you visit our office. So what are they up to outside of our office?

Courtney

Courtney is a true Nevada girl who loves to spend a day at the lake. Cold weather doesn't even stop her! Some of her favorite fishing adventures have been on stormy days at Pyramid lake where the wind was blowing and the waves were crashing! Courtney's husband Jordan and their sons Reid (6) and Grayson (4) love it just as much! Next time you're out at Pyramid, keep your eye out for Courtney catching the big ones!

Chondel

Have you ever been in the office and heard us rocking out to an AC/DC hit? Well, that's because Chondel is a huge fan! Chondel is always up for something fun! She has traveled around to see them in concert, but her favorite show was right over the hill in San Francisco! Maybe one day Chondel will make it all the way to AC/DC's original stomping ground in Australia!

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Tooth Sensitivity Stings

There is nothing worse than the zing that shoots through your teeth after taking a cool drink of water or biting into an ice cream cone! We've all been there! It can steal the joy right out of your summer iced coffee date. So what causes it and what can you do?

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Brushing Too Aggressively: Using a firm toothbrush or overdoing it with the elbow grease while brushing can abrade away the outer layers of your teeth and even damage gum tissue. THE FIX: Always use a soft bristle toothbrush! Electric toothbrushes (Sonicare and Oral B are great) can help prevent damage caused by overbrushing. They also remove more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

Clenching or Grinding Habits: The pressure from clenching or grinding your teeth can cause fracturing of tooth structure near the gum line. This breakdown is called abfraction. Abfraction leads to unprotected tooth surfaces and subsequent sensitivity. THE FIX: Decrease stress in your life (yoga anyone?)! Have your bite and jaw evaluated by your dentist to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary. You can also try warm/moist compresses prior to bed to loosen tight jaw muscles. If you are still clenching or grinding, ask your dentist about wearing a nightguard.

Acidic Foods and Drinks: Most of us love a good glass of OJ or a tangy vinaigrette, but eating and drinking acidic foods can breakdown tooth structure! This breakdown can lead to sensitivity and tooth decay (aka cavities). THE FIX: Keep acidic foods in moderation, limit the length of time you take to consume the food (don't sip on a cup of juice over a couple of hours), and rinse with water after you enjoy the yummy treats!

Using a Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes are typically more abrasive than traditional toothpastes. The increased abrasiveness allows them to remove some surface stains, but they can wear away tooth structure over time. THE FIX: When used as directed, most products will not cause long-term damage to teeth or gums. If you notice sensitivity while using a whitening toothpaste, try rotating it with a sensitivity toothpaste or only using it for short periods of time.

Having a Cavity or Gum Disease: Tooth decay (aka a cavity) is an area where bacteria and acid have broken through the outer layer (enamel) of your tooth. The bigger the cavity gets, the closer the bacteria and acid get to the nerve of the tooth. This causes sensitivity and eventually pain. Gum disease (aka gingivitis and/or periodontitis) is a persistent infection that can effect the gums, ligaments, and bone around teeth. The infection causes inflammation, which leads to discomfort. THE FIX: Make oral hygiene a top priority! Brush and floss daily. Stay away from tobacco products! Always see your registered dental hygienist and dentist at least twice a year.

It's a wrap...

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common concerns patients bring to their dental hygienists and dentists. Most sensitivity is not related to tooth decay. Many people find that using a toothpaste geared towards sensitivity (preferably one that contains fluoride and/or xylitol) relives most of the zings from their life! If you have tried all of the tricks and you are still suffering from tooth sensitivity, don't give up the iced tea just yet! Get in to see your dentist and dental hygienist for an evaluation specific to your needs.

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Which Toothpaste is Best?

In a world of different toothpastes, what do 9 out of 10 dentists recommend? Why is there always one practitioner that never agrees with the group? Which toothpaste do they pick?

First, let’s look at what makes up a tube of toothpaste. Most contain mild abrasives, stannous fluoride, glycerol like substances, flavoring agents, sodium lauryl sulfate, water, phosphate, and other inactive ingredients.[1] The goal of combining these ingredients is to reduce the formation of biofilm. The biofilm that forms over teeth is made up of food particles, bacteria, and substrates in your saliva. Formation of this film allows bacteria to form a home on the surface of your tooth. Without mechanical removal this film will continue to grow and can cause cavities[2].

It is very important to look at which ingredients make up the toothpaste you use. Many patients exhibit allergic reactions to sodium lauryl sulfate and require a toothpaste free of this ingredient. The ingredients added to increase water retention vary between products as well as the ingredients to create a mild abrasive.

I believe that the best toothpaste is based on individual preference, effectiveness, and use. Many patients dislike the taste of certain brands. Others feel their mouth is not as clean with different flavors. To find the “perfect” toothpaste one should look at ingredients, but most importantly one should be using a toothpaste that will encourage brushing for two minutes twice a day.


[1] http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/toothpaste[2] Action of food preservatives on 14-days dental biofilm formation, biofilm vitality and biofilm-derived enamel demineralisation in situ. Arweiler et al. German Society of Dental, Oral and Craniomandibular Sciences. 02 Aug 2013

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To Floss or Not to Floss...

...That is the question!

You know how to get people talking about flossing?  Publish a report that tells them that they don't have to floss! Over the past month we have had more people bring up the subject of flossing than we have over the past year!  So let's break it on down...no I don't mean MC Hammer style!

Many, many moons ago in 1819 a New Orleans dentist by the name of Spear Parmly published a book called A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth. Dr. Parmly recommended interproximal flossing with waxed silk to dislodge food particles and bacteria.  He noticed a difference in patients who regularly removed plaque that was not accessible by tooth brushing alone and wanted to share his fancy findings with the world! Not long after that, Johnson and Johnson patented the first dental floss product. A dozen packs of floss for $1.50! Jiminy Cricket, who can beat that!?!

In 1979 the US Government added flossing into the Surgeon General's Report for Healthy Living, and later, into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Recommendations in these reports are required by law to be backed by evidence-based scientific research. Hygienists everywhere jumped for joy and spread floss samples to the masses!  Less gingivitis! Less bad breath! Less bleeding, less cavities, more teeth saved by prevention! Hooray!

Last year, the Associated Press (AP) asked the Health and Human Services and Agriculture for the evidence behind the recommendation, then later submitted written requests under the Freedom of Information Act. The AP looked at the flossing research that spanned the last 25 years and concluded that it was "weak, somewhat unreliable, and had a moderate potential for bias".  The US Government removed the flossing recommendation for the time being until current evidence-based research is available.

So what does this all mean?  I welcome you to listen to the perspective of someone who is elbow deep in plaque, calculus, and gum disease daily...your hygienist!  There is ABSOLUTELY a difference in the oral health of those who floss versus those who do not.  Even the best toothbrushers in the world do not compare to those who floss with proper technique on a daily basis. Hands down, people who floss have less inflammation (which deserves a blog post all it's own!), less cavities, better breath, and better overall oral health. Believe it or not, we can actually tell if you are flossing or just telling us that you are.  Wink, wink...don't fib to your hygienist! If it didn't make a difference, we wouldn't be able to easily pick out flossers from non-flossers. 

Still need your own proof?  Here is the challenge! Don't floss for 10 days.  Yes, you just heard a hygienist tell you not to floss for 10 days!  Brush, use mouthwash, whatever floats your boat, just no floss.  On the eleventh day, floss!  Make sure you get each surface and reach below the gum tissue. Look at the floss after each tooth.  If you really want proof, smell the floss after each tooth.  That, my friends, is the bacteria that has been globbing together and setting up camp between your teeth and under your gums.  Notice that some places may bleed, that is from inflammation that has set in.  If left to work it's magic, the bacteria will produce enough acid to cause a hole in the tooth.  That's right folks, a good 'ol cavity!  The bacteria gets into your bloodstream and stirs up inflammation around the rest of your body. All of this can be prevented with something that is cheap, fast, and easy! 

The answer to the pressing question...YES, floss.  Although, we do love spending time with you.  If you want to hangout with us more often, try the non-flossing route! Until next time, happy flossing!

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Brushing Your Kid's Teeth

Courtney, one of our great dental assistants and Reno mom of two boys, shared wonderful insight into brushing her own kid's teeth.

 Establishing healthy habits for my children has always been extremely important.  So when it came to oral health I wasted no time teaching my boys how to brush their teeth and how to floss. Not all children find brushing and flossing their teeth fun or exciting, so you have to become creative. When we first introduced brushing their teeth, goofy songs and funny faces were a must. Warning… you will make a complete fool of yourself but it is all worth it. My husband and I started with this when the boys were one. We would do all the brushing and flossing.            

 Starting young is very important if you want this habit to stick and be fun for the child. Soon the funny faces and songs became boring to my boys so I had to think of something else. Different character tooth brushes. Each child had their own ninja turtle, super heroes, minions, star wars and Mickey Mouse toothbrushes.  So every morning and night we would let their imagination take over and they would pick out the character they wanted to be that day or dream about that night. That worked for a while so to make things exciting we would encourage our kids to try it out for themselves. We would first brush and floss their teeth but then we would hand it over to them. They were thrilled!

My boys are now almost 3 and 4 ½ and we still have fun with brushing and flossing. Just this morning I was in the kitchen asking my kids if they have stinky breath. They both ran over and like little dragons they blew their stinky breath in my face. So we decided to brush their teeth in the kitchen. Both boys sat on the counter tops seeing how far they could spit the toothpaste in the sink. Never a dull moment in my house. I believe that since I have started this habit early with my kids they are not scared to go to the dentist but they actually enjoy having the sugar bugs cleaned off by the doctor and have pictures taken of their teeth.

  Starting good oral habits early is extremely important. If you have any questions or concerns, contact us. We love seeing children of all ages and look forward to being your family’s dentist. 

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